Third Edition

Identifying Materials
Before entering the incident site, identification of the
commodities and containers or vehicles involved is
essential. The shipping paper is the best source for this
information. For rail carriers, this information is typically
contained in a document called a train consist, train list,
or wheel report, which is in the possession of a member
of the train crew. This information may also be available
by contacting the railroad by phone.
The train consist, train list, or wheel report will
identify whether the commodity is hazardous and where
the car is located in the train. In a rail yard, shipping
paper information is available at the yard office.
In the absence of shipping papers, using binoculars
from a safe distance upwind, try to locate any 4-digit
identification numbers on the placards (or orange panels)
applied to the containers or vehicles and/or labels on
packages. This may help determine the presence of
hazardous materials/dangerous goods.
If shipping papers, placards, markings, or labels are
destroyed, the reporting marks and number on the railcar
or intermodal container can often be used to help
identify the commodities present. Railcar reporting
marks are a series of letters (those ending with an X are
privately owned; i.e., not owned by a railroad) followed
by a series of numbers; e.g., BOEX 123456. Intermodal
containers use a similar numbering pattern. Trailers have
numbers, but may not have reporting marks. With this
information, the carrier will be able to determine the
vehicle’s contents.
Attempting to retrieve shipping papers or obtain the
commodity name from the containers should only be
tried if it can be done without undue risk to personnel.
Unidentified spilled commodities should be approached
with caution. Use the maximum level of personal
protective equipment necessary.
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